Changes

Reports by the ''Lubbock Avalanche-Journal'' contend that the regents in a 5-4 vote expressed "No confidence" in Duncan continuing as the chancellor. Speculation persists that his unfavorable evaluation came from fallout over his plan to build a second state [[Veterinarian|veterinary]] medical school in Amarillo. The existing veterinary school is at [[Texas A&M University]] in College Station, which opposes building a second such facility. Republican Governor [[Greg Abbott]], who appointed the regents, denied rumors that he was behind the decision to give Duncan a "No confidence" vote.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.lubbockonline.com/news/20180815/abbott-denies-rumors-of-involvement-in-texas-tech-chancellor-duncans-retirement|title=Abbott denies rumors of involvement in Texas Tech Chancellor Duncan's retirement|publisher=''Lubbock Avalanche-Journal''|date=August 15, 2018|author=Matt Dotray|accessdate=August 17, 2018}}</ref>

Reports by the ''Lubbock Avalanche-Journal'' contend that the regents in a 5-4 vote expressed "No confidence" in Duncan continuing as the chancellor. Speculation persists that his unfavorable evaluation came from fallout over his plan to build a second state [[Veterinarian|veterinary]] medical school in Amarillo. The existing veterinary school is at [[Texas A&M University]] in College Station, which opposes building a second such facility. Republican Governor [[Greg Abbott]], who appointed the regents, denied rumors that he was behind the decision to give Duncan a "No confidence" vote.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.lubbockonline.com/news/20180815/abbott-denies-rumors-of-involvement-in-texas-tech-chancellor-duncans-retirement|title=Abbott denies rumors of involvement in Texas Tech Chancellor Duncan's retirement|publisher=''Lubbock Avalanche-Journal''|date=August 15, 2018|author=Matt Dotray|accessdate=August 17, 2018}}</ref>

Three Lubbock developers and their wives, Linda and George McMahan, Carolyn and Delbert McDougal, and Pamela and Marc McDougal, who were sponsoring a campaign reception for Abbott on August 22 withdrew from the host committee in light of Duncan's departure. The McMahans and the two McDougals have been large contributors to Texas Tech and to political candidates. The remaining fifteen committee members paid $10,000 each for the privilege of hosting the reception. Three of the five regents who voted not to renew Duncan's contract remained on the host committee.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.lubbockonline.com/news/20180820/several-lubbock-area-movers-and-shakers-withdraw-from-host-committee-for-governor-reception|title=Several Lubbock area movers and shakers withdraw from host committee for Governor reception|author=Matt Dotray|date=August 20, 2018|publisher=''The Lubbock Avalanche-Journal''|accessdate=August 21, 2018}}</ref>

Three Lubbock developers and their wives, Linda and George McMahan, Carolyn and Delbert McDougal, and Pamela and Marc McDougal, who were sponsoring a campaign reception for Abbott on August 22 withdrew from the host committee in light of Duncan's departure. The McMahans and the two McDougals have been large contributors to Texas Tech and to political candidates. The remaining fifteen committee members paid $10,000 each for the privilege of hosting the reception. Three of the five regents who voted not to renew Duncan's contract remained on the host committee.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.lubbockonline.com/news/20180820/several-lubbock-area-movers-and-shakers-withdraw-from-host-committee-for-governor-reception|title=Several Lubbock area movers and shakers withdraw from host committee for Governor reception|author=Matt Dotray|date=August 20, 2018|publisher=''The Lubbock Avalanche-Journal''|accessdate=August 21, 2018}}</ref> Prior to the reception, Abbott told reporters that he has enjoyed a friendship with Duncan for more than twenty years and that he was not involved in the regents' decision. Abbott also affirmed that he supports the second veterinary school in Amarillo. He promised support to interim Chancellor Tedd Mitchell, who succeeds Duncan on August 31, 2018.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.lubbockonline.com/news/20180822/abbott-talks-support-for-texas-tech-vet-school-praises-duncan-during-lubbock-visit|title=Abbott talks support for Texas Tech vet school, praises Duncan during Lubbock visit|publisher=''The Lubbock Avalanche-Journal''|date=Abbott talks support for Texas Tech vet school, praises Duncan during Lubbock visit|publisher=''The Lubbock Avalanche-Journal''|date=August 22, 2018|accessdate=August 23, 2018}}</ref>

L. Frederick "Rick" Francis, chairman of the Texas Tech regents, said that Duncan's departure is a result of disagreement among the regents over university finances:

L. Frederick "Rick" Francis, chairman of the Texas Tech regents, said that Duncan's departure is a result of disagreement among the regents over university finances: